Google has updated its Gemini 2.5 AI model suite, introducing stable releases of Gemini 2.5 Pro and 2.5 Flash, alongside a new preview model, Flash-Lite, designed for cost-efficiency and low latency. The Gemini 2.5 models, known for their reasoning capabilities, offer developers a “thinking budget” to balance response depth and speed. Flash-Lite targets high-volume applications like classification and summarization, with dynamic management of its default-disabled “thinking” feature. The pricing for Gemini 2.5 Flash has been adjusted, increasing input costs while lowering output costs, and establishing a simplified pricing structure. High demand for Gemini 2.5 Pro has led Google to enhance its capacity, catering especially to coding and advanced tasks. Users currently on preview models are given transition timelines towards the stable versions. Google expresses enthusiasm about the model’s impact, particularly in developer tools, as they highlight its adoption across various platforms.
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Google Unveils Gemini 2.5 Models Featuring Enhanced Pricing and Speed Updates
Navigating Love and Dignity: The Role of AI Sexbots in the Modern Workplace
In summer 2025, Jordan, a data analyst, faces serious consequences after developing a romantic relationship with Eve, an AI robot, leading to his termination from Nexus Tech Solutions. The CEO deemed Jordan’s behavior “deviant,” prompting him to file a lawsuit citing discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, arguing that his attachment to Eve equates to sexual preference. The legal debate centers around the applicability of the Bostock ruling, which protects sexual orientation, to non-human relationships. Jordan’s situation raises complex questions about love, dignity, and the essence of human connection in an age where AI can imitate emotional bonds. Critics argue that relationships with AI violate traditional views on intimacy, marriage, and family, while supporters contend that love is subjective. The case highlights the need for ethical discourse regarding AI companionship, workplace culture, and the balance between individual rights and societal norms, foreshadowing future dilemmas in the evolving interaction between humans and technology.
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SJSU Students Develop AI-Driven App to Assist Laid-Off Federal Workers in Career Transitions
San Jose State University students have developed an AI-powered app designed to assist laid-off federal workers in finding new career opportunities. The application aims to bridge the gap for those affected by job losses, leveraging artificial intelligence to match users with suitable job prospects based on their skills and experiences. This initiative highlights the students’ commitment to addressing real-world challenges and utilizing technology for social good. The app not only serves as a resource for career transition but also underscores the growing emphasis on AI in the job market. By providing tailored support, the project aims to empower individuals facing difficult employment circumstances. This endeavor reflects a larger trend of innovative solutions emerging from educational institutions to tackle pressing workforce issues.
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Ele.me Co-Founder Secures $11M for Innovative AI Calendar App – Tech in Asia
Ele.me co-founder Zhang Xu has secured $11 million in funding for his new AI-powered calendar app. This innovative app aims to streamline scheduling by utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize time management and enhance productivity for users. The investment reflects growing interest in AI-driven solutions that simplify everyday tasks. Xu, known for his entrepreneurial success with Ele.me, plans to leverage his experience to navigate the competitive tech landscape. The app incorporates features designed to learn user preferences, suggesting optimal meeting times and managing appointments efficiently. With the rise of remote work and digital collaboration, this tool aims to address the challenges of modern scheduling. The funding will support further development and marketing efforts, allowing the app to reach a broader audience. This move highlights the increasing integration of AI in personal productivity tools, representing a significant trend in the tech industry.
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Introducing the New Professional Certificate in AWS Generative AI Applications on Coursera and edX
AI is becoming a crucial tool across various fields, yet many find it intimidating due to a lack of technical background. The newly launched program, AWS Generative AI Applications, available on Coursera and edX, aims to address these challenges without requiring coding experience. The program consists of three progressive courses:
- AI Fundamentals and the Cloud lays the groundwork in AI concepts and user-friendly tools.
- AWS Services for AI Solutions delves deeper into practical applications of AWS AI services.
- Bringing Ideas to Life Using AI focuses on project-based learning to develop and scale AI applications.
Participants gain hands-on experience with AWS tools like Amazon Bedrock and PartyRock while learning about AI ethics, data security, and innovation strategies. The self-paced structure encourages flexible learning, with an estimated commitment of 5-7 hours per week, allowing completion within 2-3 months. Enroll to enhance your skills and tackle contemporary challenges using generative AI.
Applications Now Open for the Next NJEDA AI Initiative
On June 24, 2025, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) launched applications for its Next New Jersey Program – AI, aimed at promoting economic growth and AI infrastructure in the state. With a $500 million budget, the program offers tax credits to eligible businesses that invest in large-scale AI data centers and activities. To qualify, companies must create at least 100 full-time jobs and make a minimum capital investment of $100 million. Furthermore, participants must collaborate with a New Jersey-based research university, technology startup, or similar entity. This initiative seeks to build a robust AI ecosystem in New Jersey, incentivizing business involvement and research collaborations. Applications are now open, and more information is available at the NJEDA website.
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Unpacking Occupational Biases and Stereotypes in Chinese Large Language Models
This study investigates occupational biases in Chinese language models (C-LLMs) by systematically analyzing correlations among variables like occupation, gender, age, education, and region. Statistically significant associations were found between occupation and gender, age, and educational background, but not with region, highlighting occupational stereotypes influenced by these variables. The study also evaluated gender bias in model outputs, discovering preferences in gender representation and underrepresentation of certain demographics. Age distribution analysis showed a tendency to favor younger individuals in certain fields, while educational backgrounds reflected a bias towards professions requiring higher education. Moreover, regional data showed uneven coverage and application of C-LLMs, with significant biases toward economically developed regions. The study underscores the systemic nature of these biases, tracing their roots through model training, evaluation, and deployment processes, emphasizing the need for more diverse training datasets to ensure fair and representative outputs across social dimensions.
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OpenAI-Supported Legal AI Startup Harvey Achieves $5 Billion Valuation
Harvey AI, a San Francisco-based startup, is revolutionizing the legal sector with generative A.I., recently securing $300 million in funding led by Kleiner Perkins and Coatue Management, raising its valuation to $5 billion. Founded in 2022, Harvey provides A.I.-powered tools to streamline repetitive tasks for law firms and corporate legal departments, currently servicing 337 clients across 53 countries. The company is focusing on expanding into international markets, with significant traction in the U.K., Australia, and India. Harvey aims to address challenges related to inaccuracies in A.I. outputs through a strategy centered on accuracy and client training, promoting responsible A.I. usage. Competing with established firms like Ironclad and Clio, Harvey emphasizes customization and security as its competitive advantages. The recent funding will also support team expansion, including the addition of senior executives to enhance leadership capabilities.
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Government Announces $11M Investment to Propel Alberta Businesses Forward with AI Technology
This week, Canada announced $11 million in federal funding for seven Alberta businesses and organizations, aimed at fostering growth through modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and advanced manufacturing. The investment, facilitated by Prairies Economic Development Canada, targets the adaptation of local businesses to a rapidly changing economic environment. Minister Eleanor Olszewski emphasized the importance of innovation for Alberta’s competitiveness. Notable recipients include 48Hour Discovery, receiving $1.1 million to enhance its drug discovery platform with AI, and Crust Craft, which will get $2 million for production automation. Other funding includes $500,000 for AI agricultural technology and $1.8 million for crisis management tools by Samdesk. Promising initiatives like Promise Robotics’ robotics-driven homebuilding factory in Calgary are also supported with $2.5 million. Overall, the investments are expected to create 200 new jobs and strengthen Alberta’s economy, enhancing its global competitiveness.
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Interaction Associates Unveils Report on AI Meeting Tools: Empowering Leaders with Best Practices to Enhance Productivity and Foster Collaboration
Interaction Associates has released a white paper titled “AI Has Entered the Meeting,” outlining strategies for integrating AI meeting assistants into business workflows. As reliance on AI tools increases—especially generative AI meeting assistants that automate note-taking and enhance meeting efficiency—companies face challenges in managing effective virtual interactions. Research indicates that many employees find meetings unproductive, emphasizing the need for structure and clarity. The white paper offers a strategic framework based on an audit of various AI tools, such as Avoma and Otter.ai, and highlights best practices for maximizing AI benefits while addressing risks, particularly in sensitive industries. Key recommendations include mastering meeting fundamentals, using structured communication, prioritizing security, and combining human and AI input for complex discussions. To aid implementation, Interaction Associates has also introduced an AI & Meetings Toolkit, which features comparison grids and checklists. The resources aim to enhance collaboration and effectiveness in meetings across organizations.
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